As students prepare for a new academic year, the Loy Excellentia Initiative is pleased to invite post-secondary students and members of the community to two special events in Brandon this September. Together, these events will provide opportunities to build friendships, strengthen a sense of belonging, develop practical skills and connect with professionals and community members.
Loy Excellentia Summer Picnic — September 6
Join us for an enjoyable day of community, connection and friendship at the Loy Excellentia Summer Picnic. The picnic offers students, mentors, friends and community members an informal opportunity to meet new people, reconnect with familiar faces and begin the academic year with a supportive community.
Participants can look forward to African foods, conversation, outdoor activities and a welcoming environment where everyone can relax and connect.
Picnic registration deadline: August 22nd, 2026
https://tinyurl.com/Loy-Excellentia-picnic-2026
Black Students Professional Development Workshop — September 12
Post-secondary students who identify as African, Black and Caribbean in Brandon are also invited to a full-day professional development workshop designed to support their academic, personal and professional success.
The workshop will feature interactive sessions and conversations with professionals on topics identified by students, including:
- Academic success strategies
- Time management and productivity
- Mental health and well-being
- Career pathways and job readiness
- Networking and building professional connections
- Leadership and personal development
- Financial literacy
Participants will have opportunities to ask questions, learn practical strategies, connect with professionals and fellow students, and access resources that can support them beyond the classroom.
This workshop is organized by the Loy Excellentia Initiative in collaboration with Brandon University and supported through Brandon University’s event grant for the project, Beyond the Classroom: Lived Experiences, Belonging, and Success of Post-Secondary Students of African Descent in Brandon.
Visit the full event page for presenter profiles and program updates
Register here
Registration deadline: September 4, 2026
Whether you are returning to school or beginning a new academic journey, we invite you to join us for one or both events. Come to connect, learn, build community and begin the year with renewed confidence and support.
Learn more: Visit the full workshop page to meet the presenters, explore the session topics and view program updates.